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The Blue Jays were inches away from capturing the franchise's first World Series title in 32 years during Game 7 of the World Series—and manager John Schneider still thinks about one play in particular: the play at the plate involving Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Keeping in mind the instruction of Blue Jays third base coach Carlos Febles, Kiner-Falefa, who had entered the game as a pinch runner and was the lead runner with the bases loaded and one out, took an unusually short lead—8.6 feet off of the bag according to MLB player tracking data—off of third base to protect against the possibility of a line drive double play. But Kiner-Falefa overcorrected, as he was forced out at home plate by mere inches on a ground ball to second, which, despite a stumble upon gloving the ball, was fielded cleanly and delivered to catcher Will Smith in time by infielder Miguel Rojas. Kiner-Falefa may have scored had he had even a slightly bigger lead off of third.

Reflecting on the play while speaking to reporters at the winter meetings, Schneider defended Kiner-Falefa while admitting Toronto could have handled the situation a bit differently.

“For one, I feel so bad for Izzy [Kiner-Falefa] for getting all the blame,” Schneider said. “Izzy's an unbelievable baseball player… Could we have done a better job of getting him off [the bag] a little bit? Yeah. Another step or two. There's been video of Carlos telling him where to go…”

But Schneider also peeled back the curtain into the Blue Jays' thinking, saying they had noticed a tendency with Dodgers catcher Will Smith—one the Dodgers had later said they also talked about if the situation arose—which played into Toronto's strategy to emphasize a shorter lead for Kiner-Falefa.

“What's not talked about enough is the fact that Will Smith likes to back pick to third with left-handed hitters up,” Schneider continued. “It's something we talked about at length before the series. Something that Carlos reminded Izzy of…

“…People have said, 'What are the odds that Varsho is going to line out to third?' Fairly low, right? That's just where he doesn't hit the ball. So could we have done a better job of getting Izzy another step or two down? Yeah for sure.”

Schneider doesn't believe Kiner-Falefa, who slid feet-first, could have done anything different (sliding headfirst, not sliding, etc.) to change the outcome of the play. But he's not alone in his thinking that Toronto could have given Kiner-Falefa a bit of a wider lead.

Former Blue Jays coach Don Mattingly believes Kiner-Falefa play could have been handled differently

During an appearance on , former Blue Jays bench coach Don Mattingly singled out the Kiner-Falefa play as one he'd like to handle differently if given the opportunity.

“The one play, the IKF play—and I think it's played properly because you got the bases loaded, you got one out, the infield's totally drawn in. So you're not in a contact situation there,” Mattingly said. “You've got to at least freeze on a line drive… So I'll say the one thing that we kind of missed—and I'd say it myself, Schneids [Schneider], is that Varsho does not line out to third base. He does not hit line drives on that side of the field really.

“And so you can get a little bit more. But if it was a right-handed hitter, IKF's probably right where he should be…”

Mattingly noted that it was “not IKF's fault, but probbaly all of our faults.”

One thing is for sure. The Blue Jays will be thinking about that play—and the World Series loss— for a long time.

“No I don't think I ever will [get past the loss] to be honest with you,” Schneider said. “I think I'll think about it until the day I leave this earth, unless you get another opportunity to squash that one.”

Pant and Rahul took India’s tally of centuries to five in the Headingley Test

Sampath Bandarupalli23-Jun-20252 – Wicketkeepers with centuries in both innings of a Test match. Rishabh Pant became the second in the club when he scored 118 against England on the fourth day of the Headingley Test after scoring 134 in the first innings. Andy Flower was the first – he scored 141 and 199* for Zimbabwe against South Africa in Harare in 2001.Pant became the first India batter to score hundreds in both innings of a Test in England. He is only the ninth visiting batter to do so and the first since Steven Smith in 2019.5 – Hundreds for India in the Headingley Test – Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Pant in the first innings, and KL Rahul and Pant in the second. It’s the first time India have had five centuries in a Test.It’s happened five times previously, with only Australia having scored five hundreds in an away Test – in Jamaica in 1955.ESPNcricinfo Ltd252 – Runs scored by Pant at Headingley, the most by an India wicketkeeper in a Test, surpassing Budhi Kunderan’s 230 against England in Chennai in 1964. Pant’s tally of 252 is also the fourth-highest for a wicketkeeper in a Test; the three performances ahead of Pant are all by Flower.8 – Pant’s Test hundreds. Only Adam Gilchrist (17) and Flower (12) have more Test centuries while playing as a wicketkeeper. England’s Les Ames also has eight.3 – Hundreds for Rahul in England – the most by an India opener in Tests in England. He’s ahead of Vijay Merchant, Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid, who made two each.4 – Test hundreds for Pant in England, the most for a wicketkeeper, alongside Alec Stewart and Matt Prior. His four Test centuries in England are also the most for a visiting wicketkeeper in a country.9 – Sixes by Pant at Headingley, the joint-most by any batter in a Test in England. Andrew Flintoff and Ben Stokes also hit nine against Australia in Birmingham in 2005 and at Lord’s in 2023, respectively.

Manchester United are now leading Barcelona and Liverpool in the race to sign Nico Schlotterbeck, with it being revealed why the Borussia Dortmund defender could be ideal for Ruben Amorim.

With Amorim making it abundantly clear he is unwilling to compromise on his principles and change the three-at-the-back system, Luke Shaw has predominantly featured as a left-sided centre-back this season, although the 30-year-old has struggled at times.

Man United suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at the hands of rivals Manchester City back in September, and it would be fair to say Roy Keane wasn’t too impressed with Shaw’s play in the build-up to Phil Foden’s goal, saying: “Shaw’s an England international player. He’s got hundreds of games under his belt, he doesn’t even get his body position right. It’s like he has thrown the towel in.”

The Englishman was also one of the worst performers in the disappointing 4-2 defeat against Brentford, receiving a SofaScore match rating of just 5.9, the second-lowest of any player.

Consequently, it would perhaps be a wise move to bring in a new defender more accustomed to playing in the left centre-back role, and there has been a development in the Red Devils’ pursuit of a Bundesliga star…

Man Utd now leading race for Nico Schlotterbeck

According to a report from Spain, Man United have now moved into pole position in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund star Schlotterbeck, having overtaken Liverpool and Barcelona, given their good relations with the German club.

The German has now been identified as a priority target for United, as there is a feeling he could be ideal for Amorim, given that the 25-year-old is left-footed, physical, and has real quality in possession of the ball.

With the centre-back’s contract due to expire in 2027, Dortmund are willing to sanction a departure, should they receive a significant offer, placing the Red Devils in a strong position to secure his signature.

Scout Jacek Kulig has been a strong admirer of the Bundesliga star for quite some time, waxing lyrical about his performances across the 2021-22 campaign on X.

Since then, the 22-time Germany international has remained a key player for Dortmund, chipping in with six goals and 17 assists in 134 appearances for the Bundesliga side, which is an impressive return for a defender.

Schlotterbeck’s all-round attributes mean he could be the perfect addition for Man United, and the fact he is left-footed is an added bonus, given that Shaw hasn’t exactly been setting the world alight.

Fabrizio Romano confirms key signing Man Utd are set to make in 2026 Related "For sure" – Fabrizio Romano confirms Man Utd "will" make key signing in 2026

The Red Devils will look to do business in January.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Nov 10, 2025

The pundits on Sky Sports ripped into Liverpool after the Reds produced a feeble first-half display against Manchester City that saw them fall two goals behind their title rivals. Gary Neville and Roy Keane were unreserved in their criticism of Arne Slot's side, who were second best throughout the opening exchanges in Manchester and did little to suggest they could defend their Premier League crown this season.

• City race into lead against Liverpool

  Liverpool trailed City 2-0 at the break and were incredibly disappointing in a half which could have laid down a marker for the rest of the season. The Premier League champions have been disappointing in defence this season, and a mix-up between Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate after just 10 minutes proved that deep issues remained. Jeremy Doku raced clear and was fouled by goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in the box, allowing Erling Haaland the chance to open the scoring from the spot.

  The Reds' shot-stopper made up for his foul and produced a good save down to his left to keep out the Norwegian goal-machine. The miss shocked fans around the world, who are so accustomed to Haaland burying most chances that fall his way.

  The shock only lasted so long, though, as Haaland towered above Konate to head home and put City on the path to victory after 29 minutes. The Reds fought back and Virgil van Dijk thought he had levelled, but VAR ruled out his header for an offside against Andy Robertson. The incredibly contentious decision frustrated Liverpool, who had their anger compounded by Nico Gonzalez’s drive on the brink of half-time.

  The Spanish midfielder hit a low shot from distance, which deflected off Van Dijk, who had stuck out a lazy right leg to block the effort. With the game at 2-0, Liverpool looked out of the contest and, potentially, out of the title race.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Neville and Keane criticise Liverpool

  Sky Sports pundits Neville and Keane launched into a scathing analysis of Liverpool. Neville, speaking on commentary, slammed the Reds and said that, “sometimes you can tell a team is there to be beaten. Liverpool's legs are gone. They cannot get out. It is so, so poor. Van Dijk just lets it hit him. Really strange.”

  He added, “Liverpool have lost every battle. It is really worrying.”

  Speaking during the break, Keane went further. He described the Liverpool performance as “dreadful” and believes that they can have little to complain about with Van Dijk’s disallowed equaliser.

  The former Manchester United captain said, “Robertson has to come out quicker. He is in line with the ball. The rules are that Robertson has to get out quicker.”

• Gakpo misses and Doku strikes

  With Liverpool needing an early goal in the second-half in order to wrestle back any chance of stealing the points back to Manchester, Slot made a few changes to try and inspire a comeback. Cody Gakpo came on and immediately found himself with a chance, but blazed over.

  The Dutchman was soon taught a lesson by his opposing winger, as the dazzling Doku cut inside of Konate and curled a beautiful effort into the far corner to put the game beyond doubt. The Belgian tore Liverpool apart throughout the game and continued to show this season why he is quickly becoming one of the best attackers in the Premier League.

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  Liverpool tumble down the table

  Humiliating defeat at the Etihad confines Liverpool to a place below Manchester United heading into the international break. Slot’s team are below the Red Devils on goals scored and can almost be counted out of the title race.

  Sitting seven spots and eight points below leaders Arsenal, the Reds will need a miraculously fast turnaround to ensure they do not fall too far behind. Liverpool were earmarked as clear favourites for the title before a ball had been kicked this campaign, but patchy form and mixed performances from new signings has cost them dearly in the quest to retain their crown.

  After the break, Liverpool host a resurgent Nottingham Forest who, under Sean Dyche, have started to make strides back up the division. On current form, it is difficult to pick a winner.

South Africa were bowled out for 74, their lowest T20I score

Sidharth Monga09-Dec-2025India are massive favourites in their title defence at a home T20 World Cup, but a potential stumbling block is the T20 lottery of losing the toss and having to bat on a damp pitch on a dewy night. That scenario presented itself on the first night of their 10-match lead-in to the World Cup, and they responded emphatically.Hardik Pandya rose above the conditions to score 59 off 28 to take India to 175 in an innings where almost everyone else struggled, and the bowlers used whatever help they could muster from the pitch to bowl South Africa out for their lowest T20I score. A 102-run win after losing the toss should put other contenders on notice.India’s early strugglesFrom ball one, it was apparent India were in on a sticky pitch that would get better as the night went on. Shubman Gill, returning from his neck injury, and captain Suryakumar Yadav ended up lobbing shots to mid-off and mid-on off Lungi Ngidi.Lungi Ngidi struck in each of his two overs in the powerplay•Associated PressIndia played three left-hand batters in the middle order to possibly delay the use of Keshav Maharaj, but none of Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma and Axar Patel got going. Tilak and Axar scored 49 between them off 53 balls as the tall South Africa fast bowlers kept drawing steep bounce from the pitch. Abhishek, starved of strike in the early goings, fell to another special catch by Marco Jansen on this tour to have his innings cut short at 17 off 12.Hardik carries IndiaWhen Hardik came in at 78 for 4 in the 12th over, there was a good chance of India ending up with a below-par total on a pitch that would get quicker and friendlier with the dew.Aiden Markram thought he could now bowl Maharaj with Hardik going only at about a run a ball against left-arm spin over his T20 career. On this night, though, he took Maharaj down for two disdainful no-look sixes to start India’s revival. The returning Anrich Nortje had been too hot to handle for the others but Hardik hit two fours off him: one using his pace, and one an off-drive after charging at him. He helped India take 30 off the last two overs as everyone bar Jansen had his figures rearranged. The ramp off Nortje to bring up his fifty made Hardik only the fourth India player to hit 100 T20I sixes.Arshdeep Singh took a wicket in the first over•Getty ImagesArshdeep sets the toneIndia needed to make the most of the brief period of new-ball movement if they were to compete on a pitch expected to get better. It did indeed look better from the way Tristan Stubbs timed the ball, but Arshdeep Singh got India off to just the start they needed. First he brought Stubbs in with Quinton de Kock’s wicket for a duck off an awayswinger that also seamed away. In his second over, Arshdeep began to bowl wobble-seam, which brought him Stubbs’ wicket for 14 off 9, giving Jitesh Sharma the first of three smart catches.Spinners drive home advantage, Bumrah caps it offHitting still looked easier than it had done in the first innings, but India never went more than 16 balls without a wicket. The 16-ball stand was the most threatening, with Dewald Brevis getting the better of Varun Chakravarthy in the fifth over, but Markram went back to an Axar length ball and was bowled leg stump.As if his batting was not enough, Hardik took the wicket of David Miller first ball: an inside edge onto the pad taken diving forward by Jitesh. Varun then took out Donovan Ferreira and Marco Jansen, one with a quick delivery, the other with a slower one.The procession continued and Jasprit Bumrah went to 100 T20I wickets and beyond, becoming only the fifth bowler in the world to have reached that milestone in all three formats. Shivam Dube, probably picked in the squad ahead of Rinku Singh because of his bowling ability, gave the team management one final reason to smile with the last wicket of the night.

FIFA confirmed that the USMNT will be in pot 1 at the World Cup draw, and will avoid a number of top opponents in their group. Pots 2, 3 and 4 could yet be tricky, though, with a handful of teams that they have lost to in the previous year in the fold. The draw will be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Friday December 5.

New seeding system set to benefit USA

The USMNT are ranked No.14 in the world, and will get a leg up from the new draw system. All of the teams other than Canada and Mexico are ahead of them in the FIFA rankings. Thanks to their seeding, it is unlikely that the U.S. will meet any top sides such as Argentina, Spain, France and England until at least the round of 16 – assuming that most heavyweights win their group. 

This method of seeding players is used in tennis, in a way which has led to several heavyweight final clashes between the current top two players in the world. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWorld Cup draw nears as U.S. pathway will soon become clear

While smaller nations will, perhaps rightly, claim that this new seeding system undermines sporting integrity by favouring the world’s most successful nations, a counter-argument would be the fact that all of the top four seeds still need to reach the semi-finals and could no doubt still face a difficult path in order to get there.

With 10 days to go until the draw on December 5, the USMNT face a nervous wait to find out who they will face in the group stage of the competition. The likes of Scotland, Norway, Croatia or Italy (if they get through the play-offs) could potentially be on the cards for Mauricio Pochettino's side – as can Colombia, Croatia or highly rated Morocco.

Match locations and kick-off times will then be announced the following day on December 6, as the tournament begins to come more clearly into view. 

'This will ensure' – FIFA issue statement on seeding pathway decision

A FIFA statement said: "While the final draw will determine which teams play each other in the group stage, the updated match schedule, including the stadium assigned to each match and the respective kick-off time, will be confirmed on Saturday, 6 December.

"The match allocation process that follows the draw aims to ensure the best possible conditions for all teams while, where possible, enabling fans all over the world to watch their teams play live across different time zones.

"To ensure competitive balance, two separate pathways to the semi-finals have been established when developing the match schedule. In order to have a balanced distribution of the teams, the four highest-ranked teams … will have the following constraints: the highest-ranked team [Spain] and the second highest-ranked team [Argentina] will be randomly drawn into opposite pathways, and the same principle will apply to the third [France] and fourth [England] highest-ranked teams.

"This will ensure that, should they win their groups, the two highest-ranked teams will not meet before the final."

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AFP2026 World Cup comes ever nearer for the USMNT

Recent results have looked good for Pochettino's side as they move towards the World Cup. The U.S. are on a five-game undefeated run, and ended their last camp with wins over Paraguay and Uruguay. 

They will have one more international window in March – in which the U.S. will face Portugal and Belgium in Atlanta – before playing a duo of tune-up games for the tournament in the weeks before kick off. They will find out their group opponents next Friday, with the draw scheduled to start in the afternoon and the times released shortly after. 

ZC cites Williams’ “history of disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability” for decision to not renew his contract beyond 2025

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Nov-2025

Sean Williams, the veteran Zimbabwe batter, will not be considered for national selection and his central contract will not be renewed after Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said he disclosed to them that he has been struggling with drug addiction.In a statement, ZC referred to “a history of disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability, which has impacted team preparations and performance”.Williams, 39, has played 273 matches for Zimbabwe across all formats in an international career spanning more than 20 years, but ZC confirmed that his contract will not be renewed beyond the end of 2025.Related

Williams released from Zimbabwe squad for T20 WC Africa Qualifier

Sean Williams has been around the block and then some

Williams had most recently withdrawn from the Zimbabwe squad on the eve of the Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers, citing “personal reasons”. On Tuesday, ZC revealed that they had conducted an internal investigation to understand the reason for his unavailability, after which Williams had disclosed to the board that he has been struggling with drug addiction, and had voluntarily entered into rehab.”ZC expects all contracted players to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and compliance with team protocols and anti-doping regulations,” the board said in its statement. “While ZC commends him for seeking rehabilitation, withdrawal from team commitments under circumstances involving potential testing raises serious concerns regarding professional and ethical standards.”Since making his international debut in 2005, Williams has scored more than 8000 runs across all formats for Zimbabwe. He was most prolific in ODIs, making 5217 runs at an average of 37.53, with eight hundreds and 37 fifties. Earlier this year, he overtook James Anderson to become the longest-serving active international cricketer.Williams, however, was also never far from controversies or from a fractured relationship with ZC. Although he led the U-19 side in the World Cup in Sri Lanka in February 2006 – the highlight being a win over England – there were rumours both before and after the tournament that he was not happy with the board. Williams subsequently turned down a central contract the following month, opting to look for a more settled career overseas. However, he changed his mind three months later, thus returning to play for Zimbabwe. The on-off farrago resurfaced in 2008 when he again quit for a contract in South Africa, only to return weeks later.In late 2014, despite being one of Zimbabwe’s best players of spin, Williams was not considered for the tour of Bangladesh after interruptions in his involvement in a training camp, and an aborted disciplinary hearing.”ZC sincerely acknowledges and appreciates his immense contribution to Zimbabwean cricket over the past two decades,” the board said. “Williams has played a pivotal role in some of the most significant moments in our recent history, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the field. ZC wishes him strength in his recovery, and every success in his future endeavours.”

Joshua Kimmich has long been one of Europe’s most tactically gifted players, but the debate around his best position has followed him for nearly a decade. Now, German legend Philipp Lahm weighs in with clarity. From Bayern Munich’s shifting systems to Germany’s evolving identity, Lahm explains why Kimmich’s versatility is both a blessing and a burden, and where he truly belongs on the pitch.

Lahm explains where Kimmich should really play

At Bayern, Kimmich has spent the last few seasons orchestrating play as a No. 6, the heartbeat of midfield. For Germany, however, recent tournaments have seen him pushed back to right-back, a role he mastered earlier in his career.

Lahm, the one player Kimmich is most often compared to, finally offered a clear and thoughtful answer. Reflecting on his own positional shifts during the 2014 World Cup, Lahm explained the unique circumstances behind his temporary move into midfield.

“My situation was a little different because Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira were both returning from long-term injuries. So I initially played in midfield and then returned to the full-back position because it was better for the team,” said Lahm.

Germany’s balance dictated Lahm’s role at the time. But with Kimmich, Lahm sees no such tactical necessity forcing him back into defence. Instead, he believes Kimmich is strongest where he can influence the game everywhere which is certainly the middle of the pitch.

Speaking at his induction into the German Sports Hall of Fame, Lahm stated: “To be honest, I actually see him as number eight, with a number six next to him. That would be my optimal position for Joshua Kimmich.”

He further dismissed concerns about Kimmich’s positional switches: “Of course, it helps a player if he plays in one position for a longer period of time, also for the safety of the team. But there are always exceptions, and Joshua Kimmich has proven that he can play both positions at a high level.”

Kimmich’s evolution at Germany mirrors Lahm’s career arc, with leadership responsibilities growing each year. Now captain of the national team, he is steering a side in transition, a path Lahm once walked. Both crossed the 100-cap mark, both led their countries through identity shifts, and both became tactical cornerstones for club and country.

AdvertisementAFPWhat connects Kimmich and Lahm

Comparisons between Kimmich and Lahm are inevitable because of the similarities and the overlap in their careers. Lahm retired, Kimmich stepped in. Lahm mastered both full-back and midfield, Kimmich followed the same path.

After Lahm’s retirement in 2017, the Bavarians needed a modern full-back who could also drift into midfield, Kimmich filled the void seamlessly. Over the years, as Bayern shifted toward a more possession-dominant style, he moved into midfield permanently and became the club’s main tempo-setter. This mirrored Lahm’s late-career shift under Pep Guardiola, who famously called Lahm “the most intelligent player I have ever coached.”

The comparison also persists because Kimmich embodies Lahm’s traits with leadership, discipline, tactical discipline, and versatility. He has captained Germany, orchestrated Bayern’s midfield and continues to be the emotional engine of both teams.

But Kimmich brings something different too, a more aggressive passing range, sharper deliveries and a directness Lahm rarely displayed. Their careers are intertwined, but their identities are distinct. Lahm recognises this, praising Kimmich’s adaptability while reminding critics that he is his own player.

Bayern’s evolution: From Lahm’s era to Kimmich’s rise

Lahm’s Bayern era was defined by control, precision and tactical perfection. He was the anchor of a team that won a treble and consistently dominated Europe. His reading of the game was so sharp that Guardiola shifted him from full-back to defensive midfield without hesitation and the transition was flawless. 

Kimmich’s journey followed a different rhythm. Early scepticism about his size, physicality and defensive experience faded quickly as he became one of Europe’s top right-backs from 2016 to 2019. After mastering that role, Bayern’s changing systems moved him into midfield, where he powered the sextuple-winning 2019-20 season.   

As Germany moved into a new era after the retirements of icons such as Lahm, Schweinsteiger, and later Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan, Kimmich stepped into a central role. His performances in Nations League campaigns, Euro qualifiers and friendly fixtures showcased his ability to dominate games with passing range, tactical reading, and relentless work rate. Kimmich’s influence grew further when he was appointed the captain of Germany, becoming the face of a country trying to rebuild its footballing identity after years of inconsistency.

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Getty Images SportKimmich's chance to shine at the 2026 World Cup

Kimmich’s positioning debate is not just tactical — it shapes the identity of both Bayern Munich and Germany. For Bayern, the question is whether he remains the heartbeat of midfield or shifts again depending on future managers. His ability to dictate tempo, orchestrate build-up, and deliver in big matches makes him irreplaceable.

For Germany, the discussion is even more crucial. The national team is rebuilding after several disappointing tournaments, and Kimmich’s exact role will determine the stability of the midfield and the freedom of emerging attackers. The upcoming 2026 World Cup is a huge occasion for Kimmich to step up and bring the trophy to Munich like Lahm. 

Veteran Ashton Turner believes WA’s chase of a rare Shield four-peat might be their toughest as they balance injuries, international duties and generational change

Tristan Lavalette04-Oct-2024Running out of gas, and players, Western Australia’s bid for a hat-trick of Sheffield Shield titles appeared in ruins deep into last season.WA endured adversity, ravaged by injuries and international departures as hungry competitors seemed to have finally overtaken them. But WA once again found a way, tapping into their reserves and resiliency to summon brilliant cricket at the business end culminating in a pummelling of Tasmania in a one-sided final.The last rites were spectacular with Joel Paris taking a blinder of a catch in the gully to clinch another title and trigger bedlam at the WACA.Those at the ground will never forget WA’s surge of momentum when everything they touched turned to gold. There were echoes of when Australia in the 2000s would get white hot and steamroll through exasperated opponents.Related

• Mature McSweeney making his mark in South Australia

• Khawaja, Labuschagne, Head and Marsh named for first round of the Shield, Smith rested

• Sheffield Shield preview: Western Australia chase history, Test stars to play early rounds

• Australia sweat on Green as selection for India becomes complicated

• Morris hopeful of early Shield return despite 'frustrating' injury issues

A match that appeared destined to go the distance finished in a whirlwind late on day four in fading light. For this golden group of WA cricketers, it was their sweetest triumph.Fast forward six months, ahead of WA’s Shield opener against Queensland at home starting on October 8, excitement is swirling around the old warhorse of the WACA. But there is also a feeling of uncertainty over whether WA can ward off the signs of slippage that was evident at times last season and continue their reign as the powerhouse of Australian domestic cricket.There won’t be complacency, with motivation found in the record books. The last team to win four in a row was when New South Wales lifted the Shield nine straight times from 1954-62. But no team has achieved the feat since the competition was expanded to six teams in 1977-78.WA (1987-89), Queensland (2000-02) and Victoria (2015-17) each fell short.”It [four in a row] is something we’ve spoken about in-house,” veteran WA batter Ashton Turner told ESPNcricinfo. “It’s great motivation, feels like we’re in rarified air. So it’s a really unique position.”Something we’re certainly aware of but in terms of motivation, you don’t become a professional cricketer without being internally competitive. Whether we’re playing dominoes or playing professional cricket, everyone in our squad is innately competitive.”Nothing will change this year from what has been a really successful blueprint over the last couple of seasons.”As gleaned from Shield history, so too other sports, winning four in a row is almost an impossible task. WA are finding this out the hard way in the One-Day Cup with the three-time champions starting the tournament with head-scratching losses to NSW and South Australia.

“One of the challenges after a really successful period is balancing the experienced senior playing group with sprinkling opportunities for young guys. We are mindful that there’s going to be another generation of Western Australian cricketers and we want to leave that generation in the healthiest place possible.”Ashton Turner on WA’s looming generational change

Issues are already evident. While WA’s famed continuity remains in place, with wicket-keeper/batter Josh Philippe’s defection to NSW their only major departure, depth will again be severely tested. A cautious approach is expected on injury-prone quicks Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris as they work their way back to full fitness.They will also have a number of players unavailable for stretches due to international duties. Depending on the severity of Cameron Green’s back injury, opener Cameron Bancroft and allrounder Aaron Hardie might be in the frame for Test duties.While rising offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli, who has been the fulcrum of the attack during the past two seasons, looms as a contender for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka early next year.”History would suggest that we’re going to lean on a much bigger squad of players. We’re really fortunate enough to have 30 players in our squad and probably four or five extra guys who are not officially contracted,” Turner said.”One of the challenges after a really successful period is balancing the experienced senior playing group with sprinkling opportunities for young guys.”We are mindful that there’s going to be another generation of Western Australian cricketers and we want to leave that generation in the healthiest place possible.”WA do have exciting prospects in the squad. Dogged top-order batter Teague Wyllie will look to get back on track after falling away last season, notably struggling with his foot work, while 19-year-old quick Mahli Beardman’s raw pace helped him earn a surprise call-up in Australia’s recent white-ball tour of the UK.Cooper Connolly brought up a fifty on debut•Getty ImagesBut all eyes will be on Cooper Connolly, who seems poised for a breakout summer. Having recently debuted at the international level, Connolly, 21, is an x-factor and his electric allround skills might just provide a spark for WA. He made a swashbuckling 90 in last year’s Shield final on first-class debut batting at No.7.”He’ll be an exciting one and hopefully we’ll get to see him more on the back of what he’s been able to do in Shield and BBL finals,” Turner said. “I see a lot of similarities between him and Travis Head, whose versatility allows him to bat at the top or middle order across formats.”Cooper is one of those guys who can play a number of roles. That’s what you want within your team – to have a couple of guys who are really versatile and gel well.”But a position may not be available for Connolly to start the season with Mitchell Marsh and Hardie set to play against Queensland as specialist batters, leaving Connolly and Turner possibly facing a selection battle.Turner rejuvenated his red-ball career late in the 2022-23 season, smashing a match-turning century in the Shield final against Victoria. He started last season strongly, carving a niche as a Gilchrist-like counterattacking No.7, before his summer was cut short due to a knee injury sustained early in the BBL season.With his aggressive batting, handy offspin and renowned leadership, Turner is likely to play a big role for WA having missed out on last season’s title.”There’s no sugar coating, injuries are really frustrating. Fortunately, my body’s feeling as well as it has done for a while now,” he said.Turner made his comeback in the IPL, reuniting with his former WA coach Justin Langer at Lucknow to end a five-year absence in the tournament, before returning to Durham for the T20 Blast. He also played two County Championship matches, scoring 114 not out off 151 balls batting at No.5 against Nottinghamshire.”What I’ve done in the last 18 months in red-ball…probably playing more positively than I did in the first eight or nine years of my career,” Turner said.”We’re seeing more positive approaches to red-ball cricket with new players having grown up on T20s coming into the system and that’s been good for me.”Turner also used his time at Durham to pick the brain of coach Ryan Campbell, a former flamboyant WA batter-wicketkeeper and an early exponent of the scoop shot.”I actually didn’t cross paths with him [at WA], but he’s helped my game the last couple of seasons,” Turner said of Campbell, who played two ODIs for Australia in the early 2000s.”He spoke to me about the way he approached the game as a player and his aggressive mindset. I’ve seen a lot of similarities in coaching philosophies between guys like Justin Langer, Simon Katich, Adam Voges and Ryan Campbell, who applied their trade at a similar time in Western Australia.”Playing Shield is always difficult but I feel well prepared, both physically and technically, for the challenges of this season.”